Wisconsin breeders and rescue groups are concerned about a bill that could significantly affect them. Sponsored by Rep. Larry Balow, AB536 would require licensing and inspection of pet dealers and breeders, defined as those who sell, exchange or offer for adoption 25 or more pets per year. The bill authorizes the state's Department of Agriculture, […]

Congratulations to Ann Arbor fanciers on successfully opposing an ordinance that would have restricted breeding rights and limited pet ownership. The measure, which was rejected by the City Council on December 15th, would have required mandatory spay/neuter of dogs unless owners purchased a breeder's permit. Among other onerous provisions, the proposal would additionally have prohibited […]

AKC has learned that the U.S. Supreme Court has denied the Doris Day Animal League's (DDAL) petition to appeal a case against the USDA that would have made all residential breeders of dogs and cats subject to federal licensing and inspection. The decision, which upholds an earlier ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for […]

In November 2003, the so-called "Puppy Protection Act" (PPA) was introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY) designated H.R. 3484. 36 co-sponsors have signed onto the bill. H.R. 3484 is virtually identical to the PPA introduced by Whitfield in the 107th Congress, except that it does not require setting federal "socialization" […]

Santa Fe Dog Owners Face Stringent Breeding Restrictions Attention Santa Fe fanciers! The city council is considering a strict breeding ordinance that could severely impact your ability to breed and show dogs. Key Points of the Proposed Law: Professional animal care permits and annual inspections for anyone involved in breeding animals. A city business license […]

After a very successful "Rescuers Rally" last week, Responsible Pet Owners Alliance (RPOA) is continuing its push to preserve purebred rescue programs in San Antonio. RPOA will speak to the San Antonio City Council at City Hall on Thursday, August 14th, at the council's regular meeting. RPOA asks that interested individuals attend this meeting and […]

The New Jersey Animal Welfare Task Force will hold three public meetings in July. AKC encourages dog fanciers to attend and share their thoughts about the animal welfare issues that the Task Force is examining. Following are the meeting dates, times and locations: July 9, 2003 Mercer County College, Faculty Dining Room in Student Center […]

With growing frequency nationwide, families are being forced to give up their canine companions because of skyrocketing homeowners' insurance premiums or companies' outright refusal to cover certain breeds. Dog owners in Michigan may now have some reprieve, however, thanks to an important victory by the Michigan Association for Purebred Dogs. Troubled by countless stories from […]

The Illinois legislature has passed dangerous dog legislation that also requires counties to impose animal registration and litter registration fees. The bill, HB184, was presented to Governor Rod Blagojevich for signature on June 25th. Although the AKC strongly supports dangerous dog legislation and language in HB184 that would prohibit breed-specific laws, we do not believe […]

Last week, newspapers reported that the Detroit City Council may consider a ban on "pit bulls" and Rottweilers as a result of problems area postal workers are having with dangerous dogs. The AKC's Canine Legislation department immediately contacted and spoke with representatives from the council members' staff, noting our concern that banning breeds would punish […]